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Can I do anything to stop parishes offices being built in a church narthex?

Full Question

Our new pastor wants to put the parish offices next to the narthex of the Church. It seems to me that business will be done within the church. Is there anything that I can do to stop this?

Answer

The narthex, or vestibule, is not in the church proper. I don’t think you have much of an argument, certainly not as far as Church directives are concerned. I gave a mission in Canada, where it rains a lot. The vestibule is quite large and opens into the parish hall and kitchen, meeting rooms, the parish office and the priests’ offices. People can also just wait there until their ride arrives—all this without getting soaked. It was great!

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